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D2012-CMD. Hanger
British Grenadier's Basket-hilted Hanger
D2012-CMD. Hanger

British Grenadier's Basket-hilted Hanger

Date1750-1760
Maker Samuel Harvey
OriginEngland, Birmingham
MediumIron, steel, wood, shagreen and brass
DimensionsOverall: About 37" Blade: 31"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number2005-90
DescriptionHilt: Iron three-quarter basket hilt composed of openwork geometric shapes. Bun shaped pommel with high capstan and shagreen covered wooden grip bound with twisted brass wire.

Blade: Single edged curved, with a narrow fuller running along the spine and a false edge.
Label TextBy the French and Indian War, many Grenadier’s hangers were extremely well made, substantial weapons. Innovatively designed basket guards appeared around mid-century, and this pattern was amongst the more popular ones. Distinctive for its openwork lozanges and “teardrops,” a hilt of this type was included on the hip of a Grenadier of the 1st Regiment of Foot, painted by David Morier about 1751. Also known as the “Royals,” this regiment saw extensive service during the war, serving from Louisbourg to Havana.
Markings"S . HARVEY" struck into both sides of the blade.
ProvenanceOne of a group of at least a dozen identical examples to enter the market since the early 1990s from an English source. This group is thought to have been the compliment of hangers issued to the Grenadier Company of the Huntingshire Militia by the Board of Ordnance in the late 1750s.